Huffman, 30 other legislators voice opposition to oil, gas leases off California coast

July 02, 2020

North Coast U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) and 30 other representatives from California are opposed to federal efforts to secure new oil and gas leases off the coast of the state.

The 31 lawmakers signed a letter sent to Interior Department Secretary David Bernhardt.

“There is a reason why every single coastal governor along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, both Republican and Democrat, stand opposed to offshore drilling, as the inevitable spills and the variety of other onshore and offshore impacts from oil and gas drilling have no place along our coasts,” the letter states. “It is critically important for coastal communities whose livelihoods are built around fishing, tourism, and recreation that there is no risk of oil leaks or spills that could negatively impact these ocean dependent economies and fragile marine ecosystems.”

The letter cites an article published by Politico in June that states the Interior Department is looking at expanding oil leases on the East Coast.

“While the article could not confirm nor deny that the DOI was continuing to pursue OCS leasing off California, the state’s inclusion into the 2018 program, as well as statements from current and former administration officials, is evidence of the Trump administration’s interest in opening up federal waters off California’s coast and remains a cause for concern,” the letter states.

The letter also cited the devastating damage caused by an oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara in 1969 and notes it’s been only 10 years since the Deepwater Horizon disaster.

The letter concludes asking the Interior to notify the lawmakers of any plans to allow new oil or gas leases in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California.

State lawmakers, including representatives from the North Coast, have spoken out against allowing new oil or gas leases in the Pacific. During the 2018 session, Assemblyman Jim Wood (D-Santa Rosa) and Sen. Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) introduced resolutions opposing any offshore drilling plans, calling the resources too valuable to mar.

“California’s iconic coastal and marine waters are one of our state’s most precious resources, and it is our duty to protect our coast and ensure the long-term viability of California’s wildlife and fisheries resources, as well as the multibillion-dollar commercial and recreational fishing and tourism industries,” Senate Resolution 73, authored by McGuire, states.


By:  Ruth Schneider
Source: The Times-Standard